3,200 new roles, 2,200 promotions: Etihad Airways' growth strategy puts people first

Etihad Airways has reported its strongest full-year financial and operational performance to date, underpinned not only by surging passenger demand but also by significant investment in talent, internal mobility, and frontline capacity.

The airline carried 22.4 million passengers in 2025, a 21% year-on-year increase, positioning Etihad as the fastest-growing global full-service network carrier. Profit after tax rose 47% year-on-year to AED 2.6 billion (US$698 million), marking the airline’s fourth consecutive year of profitability.

But behind the headline numbers lies a major people story. The carrier accelerated hiring, promotions, and capability building at scale to support its rapid expansion.

Etihad significantly expanded its workforce during 2025, welcoming more than 3,200 new employees across frontline and corporate roles while promoting around 2,200 staff internally, a signal of strong internal talent mobility. Frontline capability was a clear priority:

• 1,600+ cabin crew joined the airline

• Nearly 400 pilots were hired

• Approx.1,500 cabin crew promotions were completed

• Approx.150 pilot promotions were delivered

The moves were aimed at sustaining service quality while scaling operations, as the airline rapidly increased capacity and destinations.

CEO Antonoaldo Neves credited employees as central to the airline’s momentum. “Their passion for delivering extraordinary experiences has been central to our success during a year of significant growth,” he said.

Etihad’s workforce now spans 152 nationalities, reinforcing its global operating footprint. At the same time, the airline continued to deepen its UAE national talent pipeline through cadet pilot programmes and future leadership initiatives, positioning Emirati talent for larger roles in the company’s long-term strategy.

The people push closely tracked Etihad’s aggressive operational growth. During the year:

• Operating fleet expanded to 127 aircraft (largest in its history)

• 29 aircraft were added

• Network grew from 94 to 110 destinations

• Total landings rose to 105,000+

New routes from key inbound markets, including Atlanta, Prague, Warsaw, Addis Ababa, Phnom Penh, Hanoi and Hong Kong, required rapid crew scaling, training, and deployment.

This expansion also supported cargo growth. Through its joint venture with SF Express, Etihad became the largest cargo operator between mainland China and the Middle East, operating more than 100 monthly cargo services.

Operational scaling translated into strong financial results for Etihad Airways in 2025. Total revenue rose 21% year-on-year to AED 30.7 billion, driven by robust performance across passenger and cargo segments. Passenger revenue climbed 24% to AED 25.8 billion, supported by higher capacity, strong demand and improved yields, while cargo revenue increased 8% to AED 4.5 billion.

Profitability also strengthened significantly. EBITDA grew 37% year-on-year to AED 6.3 billion, lifting the EBITDA margin to 20%. Net profit margin improved to 8.4%, more than double the global airline industry average of 3.9%, according to estimates by the International Air Transport Association.

Strong operating discipline translated into nearly AED 8 billion in cash flow from operations, allowing the airline to fully fund capital expenditure while continuing to deleverage its balance sheet.

Etihad also strengthened its contribution to Abu Dhabi’s tourism and connectivity ambitions. Point-to-point traffic increased to 5.5 million passengers, while the airline’s stopover programme welcomed 170,000 visitors, more than double the previous year’s figure.

Overall, the airline accounted for approximately 50% of total passenger growth in the UAE, underlining its central role in supporting national tourism, trade and economic diversification.

His Excellency Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of Etihad Airways, said the performance reflects the strength of the airline’s long-term strategy and disciplined execution.

Outlook: growth with capability

With a strengthened balance sheet, an expanding fleet pipeline and a deeper internal talent bench, Etihad signalled confidence as it enters its next growth phase.

The airline announced major aircraft orders during 2025 to support continued network expansion, moves that will require sustained workforce scaling, leadership development and operational depth.

Looking at the numbers, Etihad’s record year was not solely about capacity and profits. Its aggressive hiring, internal promotions and national talent development programmes point to a deliberate strategy to build organisational capability alongside commercial growth, positioning its people as the engine of its next chapter of global expansion.